New charges, no bail for HACC abduction suspect

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Courtesy Lanette Jones

The man accused of abducting a HACC student at gunpoint last week and then sexually assaulting her waived his preliminary hearing this morning in Cumberland County Court. Clarence Shaffer now faces three new charges, all related to the sexual assault of his 18 year-old victim. The judge also revoked his bail, calling Shaffer ” an immediate and extreme threat.” His bail had previously been set at $2 million.

Shaffer would only say, “I’m sorry,” to assembled media as he was led in handcuffs into court this morning.

On the morning of December 3rd, Shaffer allegedly accosted an 18 year-old HACC student in the parking lot of the Wildwood Campus in Harrisburg, pointing a pistol at her and forcing her back into her own car. He then drove her across the river to a pier on the Conodoguinet Creek in East Pennsboro Township. He forced her to undress at gunpoint and assaulted her. The victim fought back when she realized Shaffer had put down his gun. He regained control, telling the victim, “I could kill you right now,” while holding the gun to her chest. He then ran off and the victim made it to a nearby home and called for help.

Shaffer was arrested two days later, and admitted to the abduction, saying he wanted to return to prison. He told FOX43’s Michael Hyland it was the easiest way for him to go back to prison and get the help he needs.